Theoretical, numerical, and experimental investigation of a one-side measurement technique for thermal diffusivity

A modified Angstrom's method for the measurement of thermal diffusivity in solid materials is presented, aimed at overcoming the limits of ordinary techniques with one-side measurements. The method requires a periodic thermal input to be supplied to the specimen, alternating heating and cooling stages. The thermal diffusivity is estimated by monitoring the temperature oscillations on the free surface of the specimen. The conditions at which a real 3D test- system can be studied by means of a 1D thermal model are investigated. Algorithms to estimate the thermal diffusivity are determined analytically and verified by numerical simulation. The method is finally validated by experimental measurements.